To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 14950/22-27, for an outline of actions taken to explore the feasibility of an all-island approach to paediatric pathologist services.

I am committed to finding a better resolution to the issue of local access to perinatal and paediatric pathology services. As I noted in my response to AQW 14950/22-27, the prospect of a dedicated paediatric pathology service for Northern Ireland is very remoteWhile my first preference would be the restoration of a dedicated paediatric pathology service for Northern Ireland, such an outcome continues to remain incredibly challenging as as these services are under considerable pressure across the UK and globally due to a shortage of paediatric pathologists.

I also confirmed that I am therefore keen to explore the feasibility of an all-island approach to these services, and recently advised the Health Committee that . I have had two conversations with Minister Donnelly about the possibility of future co-operation on this issue which, whilst still and discussions are therefore at the a very early stages of development and consideration, have been very positive.

As these services move to more centralised models nationally, In the meantime, my Department’s first priority is to ensure that Northern Ireland families continue to have access to high-quality, reliable and timely pathology services at Alder Hey, to ensure that parents can continue to get the medical answers they need following their loss. Continued access has recently been secured by a further extension of these arrangements.